The Price He Paid — page 244: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE CY NOSURE OF INTEREST. 235 awoke Gabrielle from her dreams, and reminded her that it was time to prepare for the drive to the theater. Throwing a light cloak round her shoulders, she drew on her gloves, and went down to the drawing-room, where her mother and the Countess Selteneck were already awaiting her. Countess Selteneck was of about the same age as the baroness, but looked considerably younger, pre- cisely, perhaps, because she gave herself far less trouble to preserve a youthful appearance. Though not beautiful, she captivated by her prepossessing manners, and a certain air of calm intelligence which inspired confidence and respect. Both ladies were in full evening dress. “T can understand how much you must suffer from the constraint, and from the general position of affairs in your brother-in-law’s house, Matilda,” the countess remarked; “but what will not a woman endure for her child’s sake? Gabrielle’s whole future is in his hands, and as his heiress she will one day have an almost princely fortune at her disposal. Your brother-in--law has given you de- cided promises on this head, I presume?” “Oh, certainly,” replied the baroness. “He spoke to me on the subject soon after I arrived at his house, but I am afraid this unfortunate business with Assessor Winterfeld has called the whole matter in question again.” | “There is something very winning and agreeable. about the assessor, I must say,” observed the count- ess, changing the theme. “I think | mentioned to you that [met him some weeks ago ata soiree, where, truth to tell, he was the cynosure of in- terest.” | “« Assessor Winterfeld the cynosure of interest?” asked the baroness, half incredulous, half dis- dainful. “Certainly. He has become a sort of celebrity, and enjoys special protection at the ministry, so they tell me. He is received in the best circles, and is distinguished wherever he goes.” “Why, this is incredible!” exclaimed Madame von Harder. “They are bound in duty to punish an Gomichboo <S (C(@)